Granulation of Waste from Mineral Processing

The aim of this study was to find a suitable granulation method intended for the transformation of waste in powder form from nickel ore processing, into stable granules. Requirements for the granulate were a particle size of a few millimeters, high strength and low friability for trouble-free transportation and material handling. For their further use as a sorbent in bio-gas plants, the granules had to have high porosity. By applying non-compacting granulation methods, a granulate of the desired dimension and properties was created. The created granulates were analyzed by dynamic image analysis (DIA) and powder rheometer. A high shear granulation method was chosen as the best method for powder waste processing, in which the most sustainable granulates were created using a small amount of granulation liquid. The granules produced by this method had good strength, low friability and a porous structure.